Clamp down on violence against journalists, HRCP asks govt

Lahore, July 6, 2010: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over a spike in incidents of violence against journalists.

A statement issued by HRCP on Monday said: “HRCP is alarmed at several reports of violence against journalists over the last week, including the latest instance when a police officer beat up a journalist outside the Lahore Press Club on Sunday and urged a mob to torch his car.

Journalists in Pakistan already face immense difficulties as it is, without having to contend with violence and threats perpetrated or sponsored by government officials.

Whatever degree of freedom the Pakistani media enjoys today has been achieved through the long struggle of the working journalists’ fraternity and the government must prevent any measures by state officials or non-state actors to erode that.”